Goa Khabar : The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee has strongly condemned the @BJP4Goa Government for its shocking decision to auction mining blocks in Bicholim Taluka that included the areas of Shree Kelbai Devasthan, Mulgao and Shree Devi Lairai Temple, Sirigao within the lease boundaries.
The BJP Government’s actions have once again exposed its utter disregard for Goa’s faith, heritage, and local sentiments. The inclusion of sacred temple lands in mining leases is not only irresponsible but also an insult to the religious beliefs and cultural identity of Goans.
The facts clearly show that when the mining blocks were auctioned in 2023, the Government failed to carry out any proper study or survey before finalising the leases. Despite repeated objections, temple areas, houses, and water bodies were included in the mining boundaries.
In Mulgao, villagers and the Shree Kelbai Devasthan Committee had protested strongly against the inclusion of temple land in the lease area. The Gram Sabha of Mulgao had passed a resolution demanding the exclusion of these sacred areas, but the Government ignored their demands.
Similarly, in Sirigao, villagers filed petitions against the auctioning of mining blocks which included the Shree Devi Lairai Temple within the lease boundaries. These protests and petitions were a reflection of the people’s deep anguish and the Government’s total insensitivity towards local communities.
“This is not just about mining — it is about the BJP auctioning Goa’s soul for corporate profit. Including our temples and sacred spaces in mining leases is an unforgivable insult to our faith and identity. The Congress Party will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Mulgao, Sirigao, and every Goan who believes that no government has the right to sell our Devasthans for money.” said Patkar.
The GPCC President further said that the Congress Party will continue to expose the BJP Government’s reckless governance and its attempts to hand over Goa’s land, hills, and heritage to crony capitalists. He reiterated that defending Goa’s temples and Devasthans is not an act against faith but an act of faith itself — to protect what generations of Goans have built and revered.
The Congress Party stands firmly with the villagers of Mulgao and Sirigao in their demand to safeguard their temples, homes, and environment from destructive and unscientific mining policies of the BJP Government.
